Outrage over a divisive flag raising in New Jersey found the mayor defending his being “welcoming of Palestinians and their allies.”
Despite protests of the planned ceremony, Monday at Hoboken’s City Hall, Democratic Mayor Ravinder Bhalla proceeded to host an event displaying the “Palestinian flag.” While some were surprised that the first Sikh mayor in New Jersey would endorse a standard associated with Islamist extremists, the activist executive, who previously joined in a George Floyd protest, defended the move.
“Emails I received in my inbox regarding a recent flag raising included phrases such as ‘deeply offensive,’ a ‘slap in the face,’ ‘an insult,’ and asking ‘how can you do this?’” Bhalla wrote in a lengthy statement on X. “The above sentiments were the reactions to the City’s decision this past June to raise the flag of Israel for Israel Independence Day, as requested by a group of residents to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Israelis to our community here in Hoboken. In that case, the flag raising was mischaracterized by some as supporting the policies of the State of Israel.”
“Now the exact — sometimes to the word — expressions have entered my email inbox in reaction to the raising of the Palestinian flag,” he went on.
Emails I received in my inbox regarding a recent flag raising included phrases such as “deeply offensive,” a “slap in the face,” “an insult,” and asking “how can you do this?”
The above sentiments were the reactions to the City’s decision this past June to raise the flag of…
— Ravinder S. Bhalla (@RaviBhalla) November 25, 2024
“Over the past days, I have received emails stating that this flag raising means that the city supports terrorism and antisemitism. Similar to earlier this year, I am taking lengths to explain that raising the Palestinian flag is an expression of our support of the Palestinian community in Hoboken and beyond, at a time when they are also hurt and suffering,” asserted Bhalla who also noted there were relatively few citizens in Hoboken who identified as such.
“In Hoboken, we host flag raising for many communities that want their voices to be heard, and their identity recognized. This includes flag raisings like the Pride Flag, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Italy, India, Ukraine, and more,” the mayor argued. “We treat all people equally and want to recognize the cultural heritage and existence of the Palestinian people as well, especially at a time of suffering.”
Prior to Monday’s ceremony, calls to protest the event went out on social media with the message, “NO JIHAD IN HOBOKEN,” while, after the fact, accounts like Libs of TikTok and the non-partisan group Stop Antisemitism called out Bhalla for the display that smacked of Hamas sympathy.
“This is not Gaza. This is Hoboken, NJ,” wrote Libs. “The Mayor held a Palestinian flag raising ceremony in City Hall today.”
This is not Gaza. This is Hoboken, NJ.
The Mayor held a Palestinian flag raising ceremony in City Hall today. pic.twitter.com/f5oM6oqApa
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 25, 2024
Mayor Ravi Bhalla of Hoboken, NJ just raised a Palestinian flag at City Hall.
Strange, we thought Israel and the Jews were the ones “occupying” America. pic.twitter.com/rdp7rHUIao
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) November 26, 2024
While the Hudson County View reported that an attendee of the ceremony said, “We’ve been told that raising the Palestinian flag is a controversial act or activity. But no one’s existence should be controversial. Thank you for your humanity,” others on social media called for the mayor’s resignation for the display typically lofted by those calling for the extermination of Israel with the chant, “From the river to the sea.”
Ukrainian flags in Congress. Pride flag hanging on the front of the White House. Palestinian at a NJ City Hall. What has happened to America?! I shudder to think what might have been had Kamala been elected.
— DJ (@CrazyOldGrammy) November 25, 2024
That’s what conquerers do when claiming a foreign land.
— Adeptus Hominus (@AdeptusHominus) November 25, 2024
This is antithetical to America. It’s hateful and it must end. This is not freedom of speech, this is a cult of hate.
— sighence (@krisuz44) November 25, 2024
Frank Sinatra is rolling over in his grave. What idiots.
— Kyle Bass (@Jkylebass) November 25, 2024
No other country’s flag should be flown in a government office.
— A_Nobody (@whystellothere) November 25, 2024
So, instead of uniting the community, he chooses to be a divisive clown and make a completely inappropriate/insensitive political statement. He needs to resign immediately.
— מַלְכָּה (@SaveUygurs) November 26, 2024
This behavior is completely un-American! The mayor ought to resign at once.
— John Acuna (@SwingTradeJohn) November 25, 2024
So, you support PLO terrorists. Got it.
— sfcmac (@sfcmac419203) November 26, 2024
Remind me never to go to PLOboken.
— Truth & Facts (@dooleii) November 26, 2024
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Author: Kevin Haggerty
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